Another Olympia coffee culture post... Again hopefully newsworthy stuff for OlyBlog readers.

What is the NWRBC you ask? Well NWRBC stands for the Northwest Regional Barista Competition and Oly was well represented this year with 2 competitors, 2 judges, and 3 local company sponsors. This years NWRBC was held in Portland and was organized and put on by Portland companies Stumptown Coffee Roasters and The American Barista & Coffee School. It was by far the best coffee event I've ever attended and I've lost count of how many I've been to the past 5 years. This event has been the talk of the North American Coffee Community & online coffee forums alike. The whole weekend was a blast and a great showing of Northwest's pride and passion for espresso and Oly was well represented.

The Oly NWRBC Competitors:
1 competitor each from Batdorf & Bronson and Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. None made the top 6 but for both competitors it was their first professional barista competition and they both made excellent showings in what is widely known to be the most difficult region to compete in.

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The Oly NWRBC Judges:
Both judges from Olympia were from Batdorf & Bronson and represented Olympia well with their professionalism and integrity. Judging a competition of this magnitude is not an easy job, they are first certified by passing a number of rigorous taste sensory tests, and once competition begins can judge numerous rounds of competitors that submit 3 drinks to a panel of 4 judges: an espresso shot, a cappuccino and finally a personal "signature" drink. I know at least one of them judged 6 consecutive rounds in the first day. That is a lot of caffeine!  

The Oly Sponsors:
Batdorf & Bronson - Silver Level Sponsor
As some might already know B&B is widely admired and respected in the coffee community and it just wouldn't be a Northwest coffee event without their involvement, particpation and sponsorship.

Espresso Parts - Bronze Level Sponsor:
Espresso Parts is a local and cutting edge coffee equipment, parts, tools and accessory company that caters to and boasts as customers many of the best coffee shops in the country and the world.

Olympia Coffee Roasting Co. - Bronze Level Sponsor:
A relatively new company (3 years old) and brand new sponsors this year to the NWRBC, Olympia Coffee Roasting is fast becoming known across the Northwest and proved they are stepping up to play with the "Big Boys".

Olympia is beginning to be recognized as having a very influential, passionate and quality orientated coffee community that makes a number of contributions to the coffee world on a regular basis. Support these local businesses as they doing us proud and putting our unique brand of coffee culture on the coffee map.